How Montana's New Laws Limit Public Health Powers Montana’s Republican majority this session took aim at public health officials’ authority, saying they overstepped in their COVID-19 response with mask mandates and business closures. Freddy Monares spoke with Montana Public Radio’s Aaron Bolton to break down the impacts of the bills that passed and those that didn’t. Freddy Monares: Aaron, a flurry of legislation took aim at public health at all levels. What were some of the bills that passed? Freddy Monares: Vaccination requirements came up, too? Aaron Bolton: Yeah. Most employers or government agencies are now prohibited from requiring COVID-19 vaccines. And who can provide vaccination exemptions for children in school has been expanded, though COVID-19 vaccines aren’t currently required by state law in public schools.